Storage enclosure for electronic device

ABSTRACT

A compartment for storing items comprises a base compartment and a lid. The base compartment may be coupled to a battery cover of a portable electronic device. The lid can be coupled to the base compartment. The lid and the base compartment produce an enclosure for storing items. The items stored may include cosmetic products and other personal items.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION

This application claims priority to copending U.S. ProvisionalApplication entitled, “Storage Enclosure for Electronic Device”, havingSer. No. 60/606,456, filed Sep. 1, 2004, which is entirely incorporatedherein by reference.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The present invention is generally related to a storage enclosure, andmore particularly is related to a storage enclosure for cosmetics andpersonal items coupled to a portable electronic device.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

Cosmetics are typically applied to the facial portion of the body.Cosmetics are often used to accent desirable features of the face andconceal less desirable features, such as wrinkles, blemishes, andfreckles. Examples of cosmetic products may include, for example but notlimited to, foundation/concealers, blush, eyeliner, mascara, lip liner,lipstick, and lip-gloss. Foundation/concealers are used to alter thetone of the skin of a person and hide shine and imperfections in theskin. Blush is applied to the upper cheeks and provides a reddish hue tothe cheeks of the user. Blush can be stored in a power form and appliedwith a brush or pad.

Throughout the course of a day, cosmetic products often need to bereapplied to the face. Cosmetic products are often stored in a smallcase with an applicator, often referred to as a compact. The compactallows the user to carry the cosmetic products for touch-up purposes ontheir person, such as in a purse or pocket. Compacts may have a basewith one or more bins where different shades of the cosmetics are storedalong with a bin to store the applicator. A lid coupled to the baseallows the user to access the cosmetic products within the bins andclose the lid for storage.

Portable electronic devices, for example but not limited to, mobilephones, smart phones and IP phones, walkie-talkie phones, PersonalDigital Accessories (PDAs), handheld GPS systems, MP3 or other portablerecording and playing devices, cameras, handheld remote control units,handheld and pocket personal computers, web pads, handheld tablets,tablet PCs, handheld readers and scanners, handheld calculators, andhandheld digital games are becoming regular accessories. People oftencarry the portable electronic devices on their person throughout theirdaily activities.

The number of items an individual carries with them during their dailyroutine is increasing. An individual has to remember to carry and storeseveral items before leaving to begin their daily routine. Often anindividual forgets to bring their cosmetic products or must carry andstore a large number of different cosmetic products.

Thus, a heretofore unaddressed need exists in the industry to addressthe aforementioned deficiencies and inadequacies.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

Embodiments of the present invention provide a compartment for storingitems comprising a base compartment and a lid. The base compartment iscoupled to a portable electronic device. The lid may be coupled to thebase compartment with hinges. The lid allows a user to access the basecompartment. The lid and the base compartment produce an enclosure forstoring items. The base compartment may be coupled to a battery packcover of the portable electronic device. The items stored may includecosmetic products and other personal items.

Other features and advantages of the present invention will be or becomeapparent to one with skill in the art upon examination of the followingdrawings and detailed description. It is intended that all suchadditional systems, methods, features, and advantages be included withinthis description, be within the scope of the present invention, and beprotected by the accompanying claims.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

Many aspects of the invention can be better understood with reference tothe following drawings. The components in the drawings are notnecessarily to scale, emphasis instead being placed upon clearlyillustrating the principles of the present invention. Moreover, in thedrawings, like reference numerals designate corresponding partsthroughout the several views.

FIG. 1 is a perspective view of the compartment with the lid in a closedposition.

FIG. 2 is a perspective view of the compartment with the lid in the openposition.

FIG. 3 is a profile view of the compartment in a closed position coupledto a first exemplary phone.

FIG. 4 is a profile view of the compartment in an open position coupledto the first exemplary phone.

FIG. 5 is a planar view of the compartment in a closed position coupledto a second exemplary flip phone in an open position.

FIG. 6 is planar view of the compartment in an open position coupled tothe second exemplary flip phone in a closed position.

FIG. 7 is a rear view of the compartment.

FIG. 8A is a perspective view of the base compartment displaying a firstexemplary configuration of the storage sections.

FIG. 8B is a top and detailed sectional view of the base compartmentdisplaying the first exemplary configuration of the storage sections.

FIG. 9 is a top and detailed sectional view of the base compartmentdisplaying a second exemplary configuration of the storage sections.

FIG. 10 is a top and detailed sectional view of the base compartmentdisplaying a third exemplary configuration of the storage sections.

FIGS. 11 is a perspective view of the compartment displaying a firstexemplary embodiment of the compartment.

FIGS. 12 is a perspective view of the compartment displaying a secondexemplary embodiment of the compartment.

FIGS. 13 is a perspective view of the compartment displaying a thirdexemplary embodiment of the compartment.

FIGS. 14 is a perspective view of the compartment displaying a fourthexemplary embodiment of the compartment.

FIGS. 15 is a perspective view of the compartment displaying a fifthexemplary embodiment of the compartment.

FIGS. 16 is a perspective view of the compartment displaying a sixthexemplary embodiment of the compartment.

FIG. 17 is a perspective view of the compartment with the lid in theopen position displaying a divider according to a second exemplaryembodiment.

FIG. 18 is a detailed sectional view of the divider according to thesecond exemplary embodiment.

FIG. 19 is a perspective view of the compartment with the lid in theopen position displaying a divider according to a third exemplaryembodiment.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a compartment 100 in a closed positionand FIG. 2 is a perspective view of the compartment 100 in an openposition. The compartment 100 has a lid 102 and a base compartment 104.The base compartment 104 and the lid 102 can be coupled to a portableelectronic device and provide a means for storing items, as will bediscussed in greater detail later herein. The lid 102 can be coupled tothe base compartment 104 with one or more hinges 202. The one or morehinges 202 allow the lid 102 to rotate about a side edge 204 of the basecompartment 104. The compartment 100 is opened and closed by rotatingthe lid 102 around the hinges 202. As shown in FIG. 2, the lid 102 canbe rotated approximately 180 degrees into an open position. The one ormore hinges 202 allow a user to access items within the compartment 100.The hinges 202 can be a variety of different types of hinges, forexample, but not limited to, a living hinge, butt hinge, continuoushinge, spring or torque hinge, slip hinge, latch hinge, snap-in hinge,piano hinge, and pin.

The lid 102 may also include a securing device to secure the lid 102 ina closed position. Dimples 206, as shown in FIG. 2, are used as thesecuring device. The dimples 206 produce a frictional fit against ridges208 in the lid 102. The securing device prevents the lid 102 fromopening and spilling items stored within the compartment 100 when thecompartment 100 is carried in various positions. The securing device isnot limited to dimples 206; specifically, a variety of other securingdevices can be used, for example, but not limited to, latches,magnetized or non-magnetized clasp, clamp, snap, or catch; or amagnetized or non-magnetized spring, recessed, multipoint, andcompression or pawl-type latch. In another exemplary embodiment, thecompartment 100 may not have hinges. In this exemplary embodiment (notshown), the lid 102 can be completely removed from the base compartment104 and can be held in a closed position using a frictional fit or othersecuring device.

FIG. 3 is a profile view of the compartment 100 in a closed positioncoupled to a first exemplary phone 302 and FIG. 4 is a profile view ofthe compartment 100 in an opened position. The compartment 100 may becoupled to a back surface 304 of the phone 302. The compartment 100 canalso be coupled to a flip phone. FIG. 5 is a planar view of thecompartment 100 in a closed position coupled to a second exemplary flipphone 502 in an open position. FIG. 6 is a planar view of thecompartment 100 in an open position coupled to the second exemplary flipphone 502 in a closed position.

The compartment 100 allows a user to carry personal items with theirphone 302 or other electronic device. The compartment 100 can bemanufactured as permanently coupled or detachably coupled to the phone302. The compartment 100 can be molded integrally with the phone 302 orcan be molded integrally with a battery cover of the phone 302, or anouter removable cover of the phone 302.

Alternatively, the compartment 100 can be manufactured separately andcoupled to the phone 302. The compartment 100 can be coupled directly tothe phone 302 using, for example, but not limited to, screws, rivets,brads, adhesives, hooks, and loops or a clasping mechanism. FIG. 7 is arear view of the compartment 100. Adhesive 702 is applied to the rearsurface 704 of the base compartment 104. The rear surface 704 of thebase compartment 104 is placed against the back surface 304 of the phone302, thereby coupling the phone 302 and compartment 100.

The compartment 100 can also be coupled to the phone 302 using a sleeve,exterior housing, or clip. The base compartment 104 and lid 102 can bemade of a variety of materials, for example, but not limited to, metal,metal alloy, plastic, polyurethane, polymer, carbon fiber, fiberglass,ceramic, vinyl, composite or blended material such as nylon, polyester,neoprene, polycarbonate and epoxy, rubber or rubberized material, orcombinations of these materials.

The compartment 100 can also couple to the phone 302 using abattery-coupling portion of the phone 302. In this embodiment (notshown), the compartment 100 may have an exterior housing that has a clipportion that mates to the battery coupling portion of the phone 302. Auser can clip the exterior housing and compartment 100 to the phone 302in place of the battery cover. A variety of different sized and shapedclip portions of the exterior housing can be made to accommodate thedifferent manufacturers and styles of phones 302. The user can couplethe compartment 100 to the phone 302 or remove the compartment 100 inorder to couple the compartment 100 to an alternative phones. Thecompartment 100 may be purchased separately from the phone 302 as anadd-on feature for the phone 302. The exterior housing can also includea battery stored within a separate storage section of the exteriorhousing. This allows the user to replace both the battery and batterycover of the phone 302.

The compartment 100 allows a user to store a variety of personal items.In one embodiment, the compartment 100 is used to store cosmetic items,for example, but not limited to, blush. FIG. 8A is a perspective view ofthe base compartment 104 displaying a first exemplary configuration ofthe storage sections of the base compartment 104. In the first exemplaryconfiguration, the base compartment 104 is divided into six smallsections 802 and one larger section 804 for storing different shades orhues of blush. The base compartment also can have an applicator section806 to store a cosmetic applicator, for example, a brush or pad. FIG. 8Bis a top and detailed sectional view of the base compartment displayingthe first exemplary configuration of the storage sections. The height ofthe base compartment 104 is designed to provide storage for an amplesupply of cosmetic products and one or more applicators.

FIG. 9 is a top and detailed sectional view of the base compartment 104displaying a second exemplary configuration of the storage sections. Inthe second exemplary configuration, the base compartment 104 is dividedinto six smaller sections 902 creating a first row and one largersection 904, as well as one applicator section 906 for storingapplicators in a second row. FIG. 10 is a top and detailed sectionalview of the base compartment 104 displaying a third exemplaryconfiguration of the storage sections. In the third exemplaryconfiguration, the base compartment 104 is divided into three smallersections 1002 and one large section 1004 running the width of the basecompartment 104. The third exemplary configuration also has a section1006 for storing applicators. The configuration of the base compartment104 is not limited to the above described configurations. A variety ofconfigurations can be used with the invention based on the type ofcosmetic products, for example, but not limited to,foundation/concealers, blush, eyeliner, mascara, lip liner, lipstick,and lip-gloss.

FIGS. 11-16 are perspective views of the compartment 100, where eachview displays a different exemplary embodiment of the compartment 100.The compartment 100 can also be designed to have a variety ofaesthetically pleasing looks as shown in FIGS. 11-16. In the firstexemplary embodiment 1100 and second exemplary embodiment 1200 shown inFIGS. 11 and 12, respectively, the lid 102 of the compartment has amirror 1102, 1202. The mirror 1102, 1202 aids the user in application ofthe cosmetic products. In the third exemplary embodiment 1300 and fourthexemplary embodiment 1400 shown in FIGS. 13 and 14, respectively, thesections of the base compartment 104 have a circular shape. In the fifthexemplary embodiment 1500 and sixth exemplary embodiment 1600 shown inFIGS. 15 and 16, respectively, the base compartments 104 have differentsectional configurations and exterior finishes. The design of theexterior and interior of the compartment 100 is not limited to theexemplary compartment embodiments shown in FIGS. 11-16; a variety ofother designs are within the scope of the invention.

FIG. 17 is a perspective view of the compartment 100 with the lid 102 inthe open position displaying a divider 1702 according to a secondexemplary embodiment. According to the second exemplary embodiment, thedivider 1702 allows the user to store cosmetics in the base compartment104 and store personal items in the lid 102. The divider 1702 can behinged to the side edge 204 of the base compartment 104. The divider1702 rotates about the hinges and provides a cover for the sections ofthe base compartment 104. This allows the user to store additional itemswithin a top portion of the compartment 100 or lid 102 of thecompartment 100. Such items may include, but are not limited to,identification cards, payment cards, cash, and other small personalitems. The divider 1702 prevents the items from becoming mixed with thecosmetic products. The divider 1702 can also have a reflective surface1704 to aid the user in application of the cosmetic products.

FIG. 18 is a detailed sectional view of the divider 1702 according tothe second exemplary embodiment. The base of the divider 1702 has ajacket or sleeve 1706 that allows the reflective surface to slide withinthe sleeve 1706. The reflective surface 1704 can be permanently coupledto the sleeve 1706 or detachably coupled to the sleeve 1706. The divider1702 can also have a securing device (not shown). The securing deviceprevents the divider 1702 from opening and spilling items stored withinthe sections of the base compartment 104. In another example of thedivider 1702 construction, the divider 1702 can be made of a singlepiece of material. The reflective surface can be coupled to either afront or back surface of the divider 1702. The divider 1702 can bepermanently coupled or detachably coupled to the compartment 100.

FIG. 19 is a perspective view of the compartment 100 with the lid 102 inthe open position displaying a divider 1902 according to a thirdexemplary embodiment. According to the third exemplary embodiment, thedivider 1902 allows the user to store cosmetics in the base compartment104 and store personal items in the lid 102. The divider 1902 can behinged near the top side edges of the lid 102. The divider 1902 rotatesabout the hinges and provides a cover for the sections of the basecompartment 104. Items may be placed within the lid 102 prior to foldingthe divider 1902 down against the lid 102. This allows the user to storeadditional items within a top portion of the base compartment 100 or lid102. The divider 1902 prevents the items from becoming mixed with thecosmetic products. The divider 1902 can also have a reflective surface1904 to aid the user in application of the cosmetic products. Accordingto the third embodiment, the divider 1902 can be folded towards the lid102 allowing the reflective surface 1904 to rest opposite the basecompartment 104. This prevents cosmetic products within the basecompartment 104 from smearing or marking the reflective surface 1904.The divider 1902, according to the third embodiment, can have similarfeatures to the divider of the second embodiment as shown in greaterdetail in FIG. 18.

The compartment 100 is not limited to being coupled to a phone 302. Thecompartment 100 can be coupled to a variety of portable electronicitems, for example, but not limited to, cellular phones, smart phonesand IP phones, walkie talkie phones, Personal Digital Accessories(PDAs), handheld GPS systems, MP3 or other portable recording andplaying devices, cameras, handheld remote control units, handheld andpocket personal computers, web pads, handheld tablets, tablet PC's,handheld readers and scanners, handheld calculators, and handhelddigital games.

It should be emphasized that the above-described embodiments of thepresent invention, particularly, any embodiments, are merely possibleexamples of implementations, merely set forth for a clear understandingof the principles of the invention. Many variations and modificationsmay be made to the above-described embodiments of the invention withoutdeparting substantially from the spirit and principles of the invention.All such modifications and variations are intended to be included hereinwithin the scope of this disclosure and the present invention andprotected by the following claims.

1. A compartment for storing items, comprising: a base compartmentcoupled to a battery pack cover of a portable electronic device; and alid coupled to the base compartment wherein the base compartment and lidproduce an enclosure for storing items.
 2. The compartment of claim 1,wherein the base compartment is integrally fixed to an exterior surfaceof the battery cover of the portable electronic device.
 3. Thecompartment of claim 1, further comprising: a divider between the basecompartment and the lid wherein the divider separates the basecompartment and a lid compartment adjacent to the lid.
 4. Thecompartment of claim 3, further comprising: a reflective surface on oneor more surfaces of the divider.
 5. The compartment of claim 1, whereina hinge couples the base compartment to the lid.
 6. The compartment ofclaim 1, wherein the portable electronic device is a device selectedfrom the group consisting of a cellular phone, a personal digitalaccessory, a camera, an audio player, and a hand held gaming device. 7.A compartment for storing cosmetic items, comprising: a base compartmentcoupled to a portable electronic device; and a lid coupled to the basecompartment wherein the base compartment and lid produce an enclosurefor storing cosmetic items.
 8. The compartment of claim 7, wherein thebase compartment is divided into a plurality of compartments storing oneor more types of cosmetics.
 9. The compartment of claim 7, wherein thebase compartment is integrally fixed to an exterior surface of theportable electronic device.
 10. The compartment of claim 7, furthercomprising: a divider between the base compartment and the lid whereinthe divider separates the base compartment and a lid compartment. 11.The compartment of claim 10, wherein the divider is rotatably coupled toa top portion of the lid compartment.
 12. The compartment of claim 10,further comprising: a reflective surface on one or more surfaces of thedivider.
 13. The compartment of claim 7, wherein a hinge couples thebase compartment to the lid.
 14. The compartment of claim 7, wherein theportable electronic device is a device selected from the groupconsisting of a cellular phone, a personal digital accessory, a camera,an audio player, and a hand held gaming device.
 15. A container forholding items, comprising: an exterior housing detachably coupled to aportable electronic device; a bottom enclosure portion coupled to theexterior housing; and a top enclosure portion rotatably coupled to thebottom enclosure portion wherein the bottom enclosure portion and thetop enclosure portion produce a container for storing personal items.16. The container of claim 15, wherein the exterior housing is a sleevethat clips to an exterior surface of the portable electronic device. 17.The container of claim 15, wherein the exterior housing furthercomprises a clip portion shaped to engage a battery coupling portion ofthe portable electronic device.
 18. The container of claim 15, furthercomprising: a partition between the top enclosure portion and the bottomenclosure portion wherein the partition separates the top enclosureportion and bottom enclosure portion.
 19. The container of claim 18,further comprising a reflective surface on one or more surfaces of thepartition.
 20. The container of claim 15, wherein the portableelectronic device is a device selected from the group consisting of acellular phone, a personal digital accessory, a camera, an audio player,and a hand held gaming device.
 21. The container of claim 15, whereinthe container further comprises one or more sub compartments with one ormore types of cosmetics located within the sub compartments.
 22. Acontainer for holding items, comprising: a means for housing detachablycoupled to a portable electronic device; a means for enclosing a bottomportion coupled to the means for housing; and a means for enclosing atop portion rotatably coupled to the means for enclosing the bottomportion wherein the means for enclosing the bottom portion and the meansfor enclosing the top portion produce a container for storing personalitems.